The month of love has not yet ended. If you are one of those who celebrated Valentine’s Day without a significant other, fear not.
You can still celebrate love on February 20th, also known as “National Love Your Pet Day.”
Granted, of course, that you have a pet.
If you don’t have a furry friend and are wondering why you should have one, here are some reasons to go out and get one, stat.
Why Are Pets Important?
It can be difficult for people who have never experienced owning a pet to understand their importance.
At the end of the day, not everyone likes having pets. And that’s okay.
Still, pets are more than “just” animals.
Dogs, cats, fish, birds, and all other domesticated animals can feel like family and friends. They can make for wonderful companions in life.
What’s more, there are several benefits of having a pet.
Pets as Emotional Support
If it wasn’t already obvious, one of the greatest joys a pet can give you is emotional support.
Remember those days when you just want to give up? Or you could just really use a long, reassuring hug?
Having a pet is like having someone who understands and loves you unconditionally without asking for anything in return. (Although, actually, your pets might appreciate a snack from you – but nothing more.)
Pets also offer companionship. They lift your spirits when you are down. Further, they can give you a sense of purpose.
Apart from that, owning a pet can provide literal physical support too. For instance, some dog breeds help people with special needs.
The Health Benefits of Having a Pet
Did you know that having pets can give you actual health benefits?
Apart from the previously mentioned emotional support they provide, pet owners are said to enjoy lower levels of stress.
According to one study, university students who participated in the research displayed significantly lower cortisol levels too.
Although some might argue that this claim needs more research, it cannot be denied that pets have a calming effect on their owners.
Pets also have the power to boost their fur parent’s mood by causing an increase in “happy” hormones like oxytocin, dopamine, and serotonin.
Pets Can Encourage You to Make Positive Lifestyle Changes
If you have any sort of pet, chances are, you have made adjustments in your lifestyle to accommodate them.
Again, this is one of the many benefits of having a pet.
For example, dogs need to exercise. And so do you. Solution? Take your pet out for a walk. This way, you also get your daily workout.
Not only that, but taking your fur baby out on their walk every day deepens your bond with them.
What’s more, owning a pet can mean adding some much-needed structure to your day. After all, your fur babies do have a regular feeding schedule.
But aside from that, having a routine (if that’s your thing) keeps you and your pet calm and grounded.
Pets Are a Gateway to Making Connections
Ever noticed how people react to your furry companion when you are out and about?
Perhaps, a stranger or two stopped you for small talk about your pet? Or even asked if they could pet your dog (or cat)?
As you can see, a simple walk outside with your fur baby can be a fantastic way of making new acquaintances.
But that’s not all.
You also get to encounter like-minded people during training classes, visits to the pet store, or even trips to pet owners’ clubs.
Again, pets can provide you with a much-needed connection with other humans, in ways that you might not expect.
Remote Working and Pets
There have been many reports of how remote working affects your social life.
This phenomenon often leads to loneliness, which is, unfortunately, to be expected since you mostly work alone at home.
While you can make plans with family and friends, you might still go back to an empty home after.
With a pet, you know that someone will always be waiting for you.
So, love your pet as much as they love you. Not only on National Love Your Pet Day but every day.
On that note, if you are a pet owner and are currently looking for a remote job (so you can spend more time with your furry companion), check out Remote Staff’s online job listings. This job board is regularly updated so you are sure to find a post that suits your skill set.
Remote Staff has also been in the remote staffing industry for 15 years now. The company has provided countless Filipino remote workers with work-from-home opportunities. Register today and be part of the team!
